Celebrating Banned Books Week!

Banned Books Week is “celebrated” by the American Library Association this week of Sept 21-27. However, it’s sad that we even have to draw attention to the fact that books are still being banned today — in the 21st century! Unfortunately, it’s true — even in 2014, books are still being challenged and banned by parents, educators and even government officials.

Books open our hearts to another human being’s experience of the world. I find it inconceivable that some hearts would not be open to that growth. So to celebrate that enrichment, let me draw your attention to a few books I have loved that continue to be challenged. Here’s my top 30 list of banned and challenged books — and when I read them!

Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling (READ: in my 20s, insatiably!)

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain (READ: 14 years old)

Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger (READ: finally, at 24 years old)

To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee (READ: 12 years old)

The Giver, by Lois Lowry (READ: 10 years old)

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini (READ: 36 years old, when it first appeared)